US20120182146A1 - Merchandise display security device for headphones - Google Patents

Abstract

A merchandise display security device for an article of merchandise having an audio cord includes an electrical control circuit for producing a sense loop in the audio cord, monitoring a non-alarming state and an alarming state of the sense loop, and activating an alarm in the event that the sense loop changes from the non-alarming state to the alarming state. In one embodiment, the device includes a security sensor adapted for being attached to a media player. The security sensor has an audio jack for receiving an audio plug on the audio cord and includes an audio connector cord having an audio plug for engaging an audio jack on the media player. The security sensor may be electrically connected to an alarming base by a sense cord and include a power adapter cord for providing power to the media player through the sense cord and the power adapter cord.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This utility application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/433,332 filed on Jan. 17, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to merchandise display systems for displaying and protecting articles of merchandise from theft. More particularly, the invention is a merchandise display security device for displaying headphones in a retail store for purposes of evaluation by a potential purchaser, while protecting the headphones from theft or removal from a display area by an unauthorized person.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Retailers routinely display relatively expensive electronic articles of merchandise, including media players and headphones, for a potential purchaser to examine before making a purchase. Retailers often desire the electronic articles of merchandise to be displayed in an operational mode so that the potential purchaser can evaluate (e.g. test) the features and function of the merchandise as well. For example, the retailer might desire to permit a potential purchaser to experience the sound quality of audio equipment and components, such as MP3 players and headphones. At the same time, the retailer does not want the articles of merchandise being displayed to be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. Accordingly, the articles of merchandise are oftentimes physically attached and/or electrically connected to a merchandise display security device that monitors and protects the article from the theft or removal. Such merchandise display security devices typically include a security sensor attached to the article of merchandise that houses a sensor for monitoring whether the article remains securely attached to the security sensor. In the event that the article of merchandise is detached from the security sensor, an audible and/or visible alarm is activated to alert store personnel of a possible theft or removal.
• Most audio players are of a sufficient size and have a suitable surface for attaching a security sensor to the display article of merchandise without the security sensor interfering with the manipulation and operation of the audio player by the potential purchaser. In addition, a relatively short power cord can be provided between the audio player and the security sensor that does not become entangled with an electrical sense cord of the merchandise display security device. Headphones, on the other hand, oftentimes have little or no surface geometry suitable for attaching a security sensor, such as a relatively flat surface large enough to securely attach the mounting surface of the security sensor and rigid enough to prevent the introduction of an unauthorized removal tool. Headphones also typically have a relatively long audio cord that electrically connects the headphones to an audio player. The audio cord can easily become entangled with the sense cord that extends between the security sensor and a base, or display stand, of the merchandise display security device. Furthermore, the presence of a sense cord from the merchandise display security device in addition to the audio cord results in a significantly greater number of electrical cables that detracts from the visual aesthetics of the display area. However, if only the audio player is attached to a security sensor electrically connected to the merchandise display security device, the audio cord of the headphones can simply be unplugged from the audio player and the headphones stolen or removed from the display area without activating an alarm of the security device.
• Accordingly, there exists need for an improved merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an audio player and headphones from theft. There exists a further, and more specific, need for a merchandise display security device for displaying headphones in a retail store for purposes of evaluation by a potential purchaser, while protecting the headphones from theft. There exists a particular need for a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting headphones that does not require a security sensor having a sense cord that extends between the security sensor and a base (e.g. display stand) of the security device. Specifically, a merchandise display security device is needed for protecting headphones displayed with an audio player for the purpose of evaluating the headphones and/or the audio player that includes an electrical sense cord that will not become entangled with the audio cord of the headphones and does not detract from the aesthetics of the display area, while preventing theft or removal from the display area by an unauthorized person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting headphones according to the present invention.
• FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting headphones according to the present invention.
• FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting headphones according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, exemplary embodiments of a merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise are shown. More particularly, each exemplary embodiment is a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting headphones, indicated generally by reference character H, from theft or removal. In each exemplary embodiment, the merchandise display security device activates an audible and/or visible alarm in the event that the headphones are separated from the security device. More particularly, an audible and/or visible alarm is activated if a sense loop within the audio cord of the headphones is interrupted. Specifically, the alarm is activated when the audio cord of the headphones is unplugged from the merchandise display security device or when the audio cord is severed. In one embodiment, an objective of the present invention is to display and protect the headphones H in addition to preventing the unauthorized removal or theft of a media player, indicated generally byreference character40, for example an audio player. In another embodiment, an objective of the present invention is to display and protect the headphones H, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to evaluate the operation of the headphones H withvarious media players40, including the customer's own audio player.
• FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a merchandisedisplay security device20 for displaying and protecting headphones H from theft or removal by an unauthorized person from a display area of a retail store. The headphones H may be any conventional type, model or style having anaudio cord30 for electrically connecting the headphones to amedia player40 configured to produce an audio signal. As shown and described herein, themedia player40 is an audio player and theaudio cord30 is a conventional electrical cable comprising at least a pair of conductors for conducting an electrical audio signal from the audio player to the headphones H. In a conventional manner, the headphones H comprise a pair ofearpieces32,33 (e.g. left and right), and a first conductor of the pair of conductors of theaudio cord30 is routed to a speaker disposed within oneearpiece32, while a second conductor of the pair of conductors of theaudio cord30 is routed to theother earpiece33. Alternatively, the first conductor and the second conductor of theaudio cord30 may both be routed to afirst earpiece32 and thesecond earpiece33 may be electrically connected to the first earpiece through the headphones H via one or more additional conductors. Furthermore, theaudio cord30 may comprise a connector, such as an audio plug (not shown), for engaging a corresponding connector, such as an audio jack (not shown), provided on the headphones H. As shown herein, theaudio cord30 is hard-wired to the headphones H, and more particularly, to theearpieces32,33. The free end of theaudio cord30 comprises a connector, and in particular anaudio plug34, configured to engage a corresponding audio connector, and in particular an audio jack. In normal operation, theaudio plug34 engages anaudio jack45 provided on theaudio player40. However, as explained hereinafter, in accordance with the present invention theaudio plug34 engages anaudio jack66 provided on asecurity sensor60. Furthermore, headphones H may be supported on anoptional display stand25 in a desired orientation for display in a retail store.
• As best shown inFIGS. 1-3, the merchandisedisplay security device20 comprises analarming base50 for supporting a security sensor60 (visible inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3).Sensor60 is attached to the underside, or rear surface, RS of theaudio player40 in a conventional manner, for example by a relatively thin layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)41, such as double-sided tape (FIG. 3). Thealarming base50 comprises an internal electrical control circuit, also referred to herein as power electronics and/or sensor electronics. The sensor electronics in thealarming base50 monitor the state of one or more sensors in a known manner. For example, the sensor electronics may monitor a sensor disposed within thesecurity sensor60 for indicating whether theaudio player40 has become detached from the security sensor. Thealarming base50 may comprise anoptional pedestal52 configured (i.e. sized and shaped) for receiving and removably supporting thesecurity sensor60 on the alarming base. If desired,pedestal52 andsecurity sensor60 may be provided with a securing and aligning mechanism, forexample magnets55,65, respectively, to securely hold the security sensor on thealarming base50 in an aligned orientation for display. Thesecurity sensor60 is mechanically and electrically connected to thealarming base50 by anelectrical sense cord54 comprising at least a pair of conductors. As shown herein, thesense cord54 is a helical coil cable of the type commonly referred to as a “telephone cord.” Preferably,sense cord54 is hard-wired at each end to thealarming base50 and to thesecurity sensor60, respectively. However, if desired,sense cord54 may comprise a releasable connector at either end so that the sense cord and/or thesecurity sensor60 may be replaced in the event of damage or failure.
• In one embodiment, thesecurity sensor60 has a relativelyflat engagement surface61 having an opening through which a proximity switch, limit switch or the like, indicated generically herein as contact sensor62 (FIG. 3), extends. The relatively flat rear surface RS (FIG. 2) of theaudio player40 is securely attached to theengagement surface61 of thesecurity sensor60 by thePSA41 previously mentioned. If desired, thesecurity sensor60 may also be provided with an elongate opening or channel63 (FIG. 3) that extends laterally through the security sensor for receiving a cable tie or the like (not shown) to secure theaudio player40 onto the security sensor. Regardless, thecontact sensor62 engages the rear surface RS of theaudio player40 and is electrically connected to the sensor electronics disposed in thealarming base50 of the merchandisedisplay security device20 either directly, or alternatively, through an electrical control circuit disposed within thesecurity sensor60. The status ofcontact sensor62 changes between an un-activated, or non-alarming, state when theaudio player40 is securely attached to thesecurity sensor60, and an activated, or alarming, state when theaudio player40 is separated from thesecurity sensor60. Control electronics may also be provided within thealarming base50 or thesecurity sensor60 for altering the status of thecontact sensor62 between an on or “armed” state, and an off or “unarmed” state, in a known manner. Regardless, an audible and/or visible alarm in electrical communication with the electrical control circuit disposed within thealarming base50 and/or thesecurity sensor60 is activated when thecontact sensor62 is in an armed state and theaudio player40 is separated (e.g. removed) from the contact sensor.
• Importantly, theaudio player40 comprises a conventionalpower input jack41 and a conventionalaudio output jack45. As such, the merchandisedisplay security device20 comprises apower adapter cord43 having asuitable connector42 at one end for engaging thepower input jack41 of theaudio player40 and aconnector plug44 for engaging apower output jack64 provided on thesecurity sensor60. Preferably, theconnector plug44 releasably engages thepower output jack64 on thesecurity sensor60 so that differentpower adapter cords43 may be used to electrically connect differentmedial players40 to thesecurity sensor60. The electronics disposed within thesecurity sensor60 provide electrical power at the appropriate voltage and current levels from thealarming base50 to theaudio player40 throughsense cord54 andpower adapter cord43. Merchandisedisplay security device20 similarly comprises anaudio connector cord47 having asuitable connector46, such as a conventional audio plug, at one end for engaging theaudio output jack45 of theaudio player40. The other end of theaudio connector cord47 is preferably hard-wired to thesecurity sensor60 since theaudio output jack45 of mostaudio players40 has a standard configuration for receiving a conventional style audio plug (sometimes referred to as a barrel connector) and, therefore, different audio connector cords are not required for different audio players. If desired, thealarming base50 or thesecurity sensor60 may include an AC/DC transformer and a regulator for converting the power input voltage to the appropriate power operating voltage for theaudio player40. Accordingly, thealarming base50 of the merchandisedisplay security device20 may comprise an internal power source, or alternatively, may be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown).
• In either case, thesense cord54 and thepower adaptor cord43 are electrically connected to the power source provided by the merchandisedisplay security device20 to provide power to theaudio player40 through thepower input connector42 at the end of the power adapter cord that is configured to be electrically connected to thepower input jack41 of the audio player. Analarming base50 and asecurity sensor60 suitable for use with the present invention are available from InVue Security Products Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., USA. As previously mentioned, thesecurity sensor60 is mechanically and electrically connected to thealarming base50 of the merchandisedisplay security device20 through a helical coil cable (i.e. sense cord)54 containing a plurality of conductors. At least some of the conductors of thesense cord54 are electrically connected at one end to the power and/or sensor electronics disposed within thealarming base50 and are electrically connected at the other end to the control electronics disposed within thesecurity sensor60. At least some of the other conductors of thesense cord54 are electrically connected at one end to the internal power source within thealarming base50, or alternatively, to the external power source, and electrically connected at the other end to thepower output jack64 provided on thesecurity sensor60.
• The electrical control circuit disposed within thesecurity sensor60 further transfers an audio signal from theaudio player40 to the headphones H through theaudio connector cord47 and theaudio cord30. Specifically, the conductors of theaudio connector cord47 are electrically connected to the control electronics of thesecurity sensor60, which in turn is electrically connected to anaudio output jack66 of the security sensor. Theaudio plug34 electrically connects the conductors of theaudio cord30 to the electronics of thesecurity sensor60 through theaudio output jack66. In addition, the electrical control circuit produces a sense loop between the headphones H and thesecurity sensor60 through the conductors of theaudio cord30. The control electronics disposed within thesecurity sensor60 monitor the status of the sense loop. Alternatively, the sense loop is electrically connected to and monitored by the sensor electronics disposed within thealarming base50. In either instance, the merchandisedisplay security device20 comprises an audible and/or visible alarm in electrical communication with the electrical control circuit disposed within thealarming base50 and/or thesecurity sensor60 that is activated in the event the sense loop is interrupted. As used herein, the term “interrupted” means that electrical continuity is lost between the conductors of theaudio cord30 and the electronics monitoring the status of the sense loop.
• As best illustrated byFIG. 4, the alarm of the merchandisedisplay security device20 is activated under one of several situations, conditions or circumstances. In one instance, the sensor electronics disposed within thealarming base50 monitor the status of thesense cord54 and activate the alarm if the sense cord is severed (e.g. electrical continuity along the conductors of the sense cord is interrupted). In the event that thesense cord54 is provided with a releasable connector at either end, the alarm is also activated if the sense cord is unplugged at thealarming base50 or at thesecurity sensor60. In another instance, the sensor electronics disposed within thealarming base50 or the control electronics disposed within thesecurity sensor60 monitor the status of theaudio cord30 and activate the alarm if the audio cord is severed (e.g. electrical continuity along the conductors of the audio cord is interrupted). The alarm is also activated if theaudio cord30 is unplugged at thesecurity sensor60. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4, the sensor electronics disposed within thealarming base50 also monitor the status of thecontact sensor62 and activate the alarm in the event that theaudio player40 and thesecurity sensor60 become separated. For example, the alarm is activated in the event that the adhesive bond of thePSA41 between theaudio player40 and thesecurity sensor60 is broken or is sufficiently weakened.
• FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a merchandisedisplay security device120 for displaying and protecting headphones H from theft or removal from a display area, for example in a retail store, by an unauthorized person. Unlike thesecurity device20 previously described, thesecurity device120 displays and protects the headphones H from theft or removal, but does not display or protect an associatedmedia player40. In this manner, the headphones H may be evaluated with different types, styles and models ofmedia players40, and more particularly, with various audio players, including an audio player provided by a potential purchaser of the headphones.
• As best shown inFIGS. 5-8, the merchandisedisplay security device120 comprises analarming base50 essentially as previously described and adisplay stand160 extending upwardly from the alarming base. Importantly, thesecurity device120 does not comprise asecurity sensor60 attached to themedia player40. Thealarming base50 and display stand160 essentially substitute for thesecurity sensor60 since themedia player40 is not displayed or protected by the retailer. The display stand160 instead is electrically connected to thesense cord54 and theaudio cord30, respectively. Accordingly, the control electronics disposed within thesecurity sensor60 of thesecurity device20 are disposed within the display stand160 of thesecurity device120. As such, thesense cord54 electrically connects the sensor electronics of thealarming base50 and the control electronics of thedisplay stand160, while theaudio cord30 electrically connects the headphones H to the control electronics of the display stand and subsequently to the sensor electronics of the alarming base through thesense cord54. Theaudio connector cord47 electrically connects themedia player40 to the control electronics of thedisplay stand160. Thesense cord54 may be hard-wired between thealarming base50 and thedisplay stand160, or alternatively, a releasable connector may be provided at either end of the sense cord. As previously described, theaudio cord30 comprises anaudio plug34 at the free end that engages an audio jack166 (FIG. 6) provided on thedisplay stand160. Similar to thesecurity device20, a first end of theaudio connector cord47 comprises a connector (e.g. audio plug)46 that engages an audio jack45 (FIG. 6) provided on themedia player40, while the other end of the audio connector cord is preferably hard-wired to thedisplay stand160. Headphones H are preferably displayed on acradle portion162 of thedisplay stand160 in a desired orientation. As illustrated inFIG. 7, display stand160 may be removably held onalarming base50 in a desiredorientation using magnets55,165 provided on the alarming base and the display stand, respectively, as previously described.
• FIGS. 5,6 and8 also illustrate a collectingspool170 for storing an excess length of theaudio cord30. Thespool170 comprises an elongatecylindrical rod172 having aslot174 formed adjacent each end of the rod. The excess length of theaudio cord30 is coiled around therod172 of thespool170 and is inserted into theslots174 at the ends of the rod to secure the coils of the audio cord on the rod. In this manner, the length of theaudio cord30 extending between the headphones H and thedisplay stand160 is made both manageable and more aesthetically pleasing.
• As best illustrated byFIG. 9, the alarm of the merchandisedisplay security device120 is activated under one of two situations, conditions or circumstances. In one instance, the electronics disposed within thealarming base50 monitor the status of thesense cord54 and activate the alarm if the sense cord is severed (e.g. electrical continuity along the conductors of the sense cord is interrupted). In the event that thesense cord54 is provided with a releasable connector at either end, the alarm is also activated if the sense cord is unplugged at thealarming base50 or at thedisplay stand160. In another instance, the electronics disposed within the display stand160 monitor the status of theaudio cord30 and activate the alarm if the audio cord is severed (e.g. electrical continuity along the conductors of the audio cord is interrupted), or if theaudio plug34 of the audio cord is unplugged at the display stand.
• FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a merchandisedisplay security device220 for displaying and protecting headphones H from theft or removal from a display area, for example in a retail store, by an unauthorized person. Unlike thesecurity device20 previously described, thesecurity device220 displays and protects the headphones H from theft or removal, but does not display or protect an associatedmedia player40. In this manner, the headphones H may be evaluated with different types, styles and models ofmedia players40, and more particularly, with various audio players, including an audio player provided by a potential purchaser of the headphones.
• As best shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the merchandisedisplay security device220 comprises analarming base250 similar toalarming base50 as previously described except as mentioned herein and adisplay stand260 attached to, or alternatively, removably supported on the alarming base. Importantly, thesecurity device220 does not comprise asecurity sensor60 attached to themedia player40. Furthermore, thealarming base250 is not mechanically or electrically connected to asecurity sensor60 as shown and described herein with respect to thesecurity device20, or to adisplay stand160 as shown and described herein with respect tosecurity device120. As a result, the need for thesense cord54 previously described is eliminated and thealarming base250 instead is mechanically and electrically connected directly to the headphones H through theaudio cord30 and to themedia player40 through theaudio connector cord47.
• Accordingly, the control electronics disposed within thesecurity sensor60 of thesecurity device20 and the sensor electronics of the display stand160 of thesecurity device120 are disposed within thealarming base250 of thesecurity device220. As such, theaudio cord30 electrically connects the headphones H directly to the control electronics and the sensor electronics disposed within thealarming base250, while theaudio connector cord47 electrically connects themedia player40 directly to control electronics disposed within the alarming base. As previously described, theaudio cord30 comprises anaudio plug34 at the free end that engages anaudio jack266 provided on thealarming base250. Similar to thesecurity device20 and thesecurity device120, a first end of theaudio connector cord47 comprises a connector (e.g. audio plug)46 that engages anaudio jack45 provided on themedia player40, while the other end of the audio connector cord is preferably hard-wired to thealarming base250. An excess length of theaudio cord30 may be coiled around and stored on a collectingspool170, in the manner previously described with respect tosecurity device120. Furthermore, acradle262 may be formed on the display stand260 oppositealarming base250 to support the headphones H in a manageable and more aesthetically pleasing display.
• As best illustrated byFIG. 12, the alarm of the merchandisedisplay security device220 is activated under only one situation, condition or circumstance. The electronics disposed within thealarming base250 monitor the status of theaudio cord30 and activate the alarm if the audio cord is severed (e.g. electrical continuity along the conductors of the audio cord is interrupted), or if the audio cord is unplugged at the alarming base.
• The foregoing has described one or more exemplary embodiments of a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting audio headphones from theft or removal from a display area in a retail store by an unauthorized person. In certain exemplary embodiment, the security device displays and protects the headphones as well as a media player, such as an audio player, associated with the headphones. In other exemplary embodiments the security device protects only the headphones. Regardless, the security device provides a sense loop through an audio cord extending between the headphones and a component of the security device, and more specifically, a security sensor, display stand or alarming base of the device. In each exemplary embodiment, the security device activates an alarm in the event that the sense loop is interrupted, and more particularly, if electrical continuity along the conductors of the audio cord is lost, or if the audio cord is unplugged from the security sensor, display stand or alarming base, respectively. In certain exemplary embodiments, the security device also activates an alarm in the event that the media player is separated (e.g. detached) from the security sensor.
• Exemplary embodiments of a merchandise display security device have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A merchandise display security device for an article of merchandise having an audio cord, the device comprising:

an electrical control circuit for producing a sense loop in the audio cord and for monitoring a non-alarming state and an alarming state of the sense loop; and

an alarm in electrical communication with the electrical control circuit;

wherein the electrical control circuit activates the alarm in the event the sense loop in the audio cord changes from the non-alarming state to the alarming state.

2. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the sense loop in the audio cord is interrupted when the audio cord is severed and the state of the sense loop changes from the non-alarming state to the alarming state.

3. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the audio cord comprises an audio plug for engaging an audio jack and wherein the sense loop in the audio cord is interrupted when the audio plug is unplugged from the audio jack and the state of the sense loop changes from the non-alarming state to the alarming state.

4. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the audio cord is adapted for receiving an audio signal from a media player.

5. A device according toclaim 4, wherein the article of merchandise is headphones having at least one earpiece and wherein the audio cord is electrically connected to the at least one earpiece for providing an audio signal from the media player to the headphones.

6. A device according toclaim 4, further comprising a security sensor adapted to be attached to the media player, the security sensor having an audio jack for receiving an audio plug at a free end of the audio cord.

7. A device according toclaim 6, wherein the security sensor comprises an audio connector cord having an audio plug at a free end for engaging an audio jack provided on the media player.

8. A device according toclaim 6, wherein the electrical control circuit is disposed within an alarming base and wherein the security sensor is electrically connected to the alarming base by a sense cord.

9. A device according toclaim 8, wherein the security sensor comprises a contact sensor for engaging the media player and wherein the electrical control circuit activates the alarm when the contact sensor is in an armed state and the media player is separated from the security sensor.

10. A device according toclaim 8, wherein the security sensor comprises a power adapter cord having a first connector at a first end for engaging a power output jack provided on the security sensor and a second connector at a second end for engaging a power input jack provided on the media player, and wherein electrical power is supplied to the media player through the sense cord and the power adapter cord.

11. A device according toclaim 8, wherein the security sensor is removably supported on the alarming base for displaying the media player.

12. A device according toclaim 11, wherein the security sensor and the alarming base each comprise a magnet for aligning the security sensor on the alarming base with the media player in a desired orientation for display.

13. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a display stand having an audio jack for receiving an audio plug at a free end of the audio cord and an audio connector cord having an audio plug at a free end for engaging an audio jack provided on a media player.

14. A device according toclaim 13, wherein the electrical control circuit is disposed within an alarming base and wherein the display stand is electrically connected to the alarming base by a sense cord.

15. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a collecting spool for collecting an excess length of the audio cord.

16. A device according toclaim 15, wherein the collecting spool comprises an elongate cylindrical rod having a slot formed at each end for securing the audio cord therein with the excess length of the audio cord coiled around the rod.

17. A merchandise display security device for headphones having an audio cord, the device comprising:

an alarming base;

a security sensor electrically connected to the alarming base by a sense cord and adapted for attaching to a media player, the security sensor comprising:

an audio jack for receiving an audio plug at a free end of the audio cord; and

an audio connector cord having an audio plug at a free end for engaging an audio jack provided on a media player;

an electrical control circuit disposed within at least one of the alarming base and the security sensor;

wherein the electrical control circuit produces an electrical sense loop in the audio cord and activates an alarm in the event the sense loop in the audio cord is interrupted.

18. A device according toclaim 17, wherein the security sensor further comprises a contact sensor for engaging the media player and wherein the electrical control circuit activates the alarm when the contact sensor is in an armed state and the media player is separated from the security sensor.

19. A device according toclaim 17, wherein the security sensor further comprises a power adapter cord having a first connector at a first end for engaging a power output jack provided on the security sensor and a second connector at a second end for engaging a power input jack provided on the media player, and wherein electrical power is supplied to the media player through the sense cord and the power adapter cord.

20. A merchandise display security device for headphones having an audio cord, the device comprising:

a display stand having an audio jack for receiving an audio plug provided at a free end of the audio cord and comprising an audio connector cord having an audio plug at a free end for engaging an audio jack provided on a media player; and

an electrical control circuit in electrical communication with the audio cord and with an alarm;

wherein the electrical control circuit produces a sense loop in the audio cord, monitors the sense loop in the audio cord, and activates an alarm in the event that the sense loop is interrupted.

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